US and Europe call them Comic Books or Graphic Novels. Japanese call them Manga. Koreans call them Manhwa. We think Ethiopian Comics should be called SENSI’IL (ሰንስዕል). Here is why (thread) #Ethiopia

Back in 17th century, there was a very comic book-ish visual storytelling medium employed by Ethiopians in Gonder monasteries called SENSUL (ሰንሱል).

The book folded and unfolded like an accordion. It was made from a single strip of parchment and it would tell a sequential story when it unfolds. It was used only for religious purposes. It usually had no texts but if it did, it would be short prayers and hymns.

The name SENSUL was likely derived from the word SENSELET (ሰንሰለት) meaning “chain” because the books connected and unfolded like a chain. A chain book.

So we think a name that pays homage to this amazing art form with a bit of a twist would be appropriate for modern day Ethiopian Comic Books. And that name is SENSI’IL (read Sen-si-il) ሰንስዕል!

SEN (ሰን) derived from the word SENSELET (meaning chain or sequential) similar to how SENSUL was derived, and SI’IL (ስዕል) meaning art or drawing. Full translation: Sequential Art :)

Discussion on redefining the format, page count and other boundary conditions for the Ethiopian visual storytelling genre is a topic for another day.

Naming matters because it gives Ethiopian artists ownership and the freedom to flex their muscles in visual storytelling without having to seek validation elsewhere. Naming is the first step in carving out our own genre and style that can last for YEARS TO COME!

@HoheAwards @nigigebi @ellenorea @MaazaMengiste @addisale @FlawlessinET @AmenAssefa @AmanuellaM Thoughts? Retweet so we can hear everyone’s feedback! For anyone interested, join us on our Kickstarter so we can take our nascent industry to new heights! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/etancomics/hawi